The Hornets acquired the rights to Hairston, the 26th overall pick, and guard Semaj Christon, the 55th overall pick, along with a 2019 second-round draft pick and cash considerations, from the Miami Heat in exchange for the rights to guard Shabazz Napier.

The 6-6 Hairston became the first NBA D-League player to be selected in the first round of the NBA Draft. He was named to the D-League All-Rookie Second Team in 2013-14 as a member of the Texas Legends, averaging 21.8 points and 3.5 rebounds.

Hairston played two seasons at the University of North Carolina, averaging 10.0 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.0 assist in 71 career games from 2011-13. As a sophomore in 2012-13, he led the Tar Heels in scoring, averaging 14.6 points, but was dismissed from the program before he could play a game in his junior season due to an eligibility issue that stemmed from alleged impermissible benefits.